YAY, NEW CAR!

I love my new car! The little Honda Civic Hybric. It's a major step down from the Grand Prix's I have been driving the past eight years, but that's okay. I now have my own car payments. I love it, I finally feel like a real adult! It's sad that I actually like paying bills, but it makes me feel more like an independent person. I don't have to depend upon my family for help financially. It feels good to be an adult. So back to my car.

It is a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. I am not a big huge Green Peace environmentalist. I just want to spend less on gas and get more for my money. So far the car got 40 mpg on the highway. Of course, between EP and SA the road is nothing but hills and valleys at 80mph. Getting 40 mpg's is pretty darn good. In the city, I should be getting 40-45 mpg's. We'll see how all that goes this week for the first real test of the car in SA. The car basically runs off a gas engine that is only 90 horsepower. The electric battery steps in when going uphill or trying to gain speed after stopping. The coolest thing is that the car will actually shut down at a stop or when stopping so as to not idle and continue to waste precious petro. The car is just so much fun. I can't really put into words how much I love it! So pictures will have to work.

It's Going to be Okay

Have you ever felt that everything is going to be okay? I mean the all-of-sudden, slap-in-the-face, overwhelming feeling that all is right with the world? I was on my way home and had just left Ft. Stockton, TX when I had this clarity of mind and reassurance that what I was doing with my life was right. I had this feeling that the Lord has been mindful of me and my needs. He really does know each of his children and is aware of their needs. It's been a long time since I have felt like this, but it's these rare times that make me really feel and know how much my Heavenly Father loves me. I have no anxiety about the huge purchase I am about to make later today. Usually I would be freaking out about spending $10 on something let alone the amount of money I am about to spend, but not today. I am very relaxed and chilled. It's strange for me to feel this way. I am one of those people that is always on edge. I know what your thinking, "What? Not you, you seem so put together." I have had many years of training myself to not show inward emotions and anxieties on the outside. I don't wear my heart on my sleeve, and never will. I am a tough nut to crack. I am always on edge. I worry about everything that is going on. If someone is having a party, outing, gathering or has planned any type of event I tend to take on the fears, worries and anxieties of that person. Maybe I'm a nut case or maybe I want everything to go great for the person in charge, or.............. let's just go back to the nut case theory. Anyway, I am confident in what I am doing and I know the Lord loves me and is aware of what I am needing and when I need it. It has taken me a very long time to understand that things don't happen in my time, but in the Lord's time. Sometimes I just wish His time was my time, then I would feel more comfortable all the time. Maybe this is the the Lord's way of teaching me, or maybe......nope, it's the Lord's way.

The Starbuck's Experience

Ahhh, Thanksgiving, the beginning of the giving season. I think there is no "giving season" because we are always giving so much in out daily lives. I have always eondered why there has to be a certain time of year when people give more than usual? Why can't giving the way is happens at this time of year happen all the time? I know we are busy and have family and friends, jobs and other extra activites going on. But if we can take the time out during one of the busiest times of the year and give a little more, can't we do that throughout the whole year? Ponder on that while you drink your hot chocolate.

Right now I am sitting at Starbucks in El Paso, waiting for a few stores to open so I can do my shopping for my dad's birthday gift. It's been fun watching the people come and go and observe their interactions. There was a table of older gentlemen sitting a couple of tables away from me. They were pretty funny fellas. One guy was the main speaker and the others were just mesmerized by his stories and anecdotes. He is the life of the party. Another gentleman left and another entered the cirlce almost immediately. Then he was gone and the rest of the group finished their drinks then left. There was also a couple of what looked to be medical or nursing students. One looked like she just finished a 24 hr shift and the other looked as thoug he was just starting the day. The lines have been long going in and out. I have been trying to get a chance to get up and get a snack and a hot chocolate (or maybe an IZZE drink) for the past half hour. That's what happens when you go to Starbuck's at 7:30 in the morning. Oh, here'smy chance, be right back......................................Okay, I'm back.RIght now there is a little family of three sitting in the opposite corner. We get kids started at an early age with whole Starbuck's craze. The little girl can't be more than 2 yrs old. The addiction begins. It fun to see all the different types of people here. Yuppies can congregate with bikers. High school kids with retirees. It's a hodge podge of people coming together to enjoy the world's best coffee (whatever, the hot chocolate is awful, but the pumpkin loaf is amazing!) The line is never-ending. Wait, cute guy in line, stop and stare for a moment.....and we're back. Starbuck's the place to be for the morning treat. It's not a daily occurance for me, but it's fun to sit back, relax and do a little people watching.

True Beauty

It is officially fall in San Antonio. Well, almost winter-like. I love cold, cloudy days at home. Today isn't really all that cold, but it looks cold outside. I love those days when it looks cold then when I go outside I feel something totally different. It's a great surprise. I spent the day making different kinds of brownies and wathcing a marathon of America's Next Top Model. I don't really care about anything but the trasnformations seen in the photos. It also is very honest and it shows what the girls really look like and how they are touched-up and made-up to look they way they do in magazines and on billboards. I don't like that everyone thinks they have to be a perfected person, or at least look that way. I guess you could say my motto in life is, "If you don't like me the way I am then you are not worth my time or energy". There are so many girls (and guys) that have the "Barbie Syndrome". The girls have it in that they want to look perfect, like a Barbie doll. Barbie always had the perfect make-up, "skin", body, hair, fashion, etc. The boys have it in that all they want in the girl is perfection. They want worldly beauty and what the world says women should look like. It's quite sad if you think about it. I believe if you don't like someone for who they really are then you are the one that needs help. I wish people could get past the make-up and fakeness. Yes, I wear make-up every now and then, but I do things without it. Believe it or not, I go out in public without make-up *gasp*! If someone doesn't like me the way I am then oh, well, I don't care. I am who I am, nothing is going to change that. I have been this way since the pre-exsistence get use to it sucka! It has taken me a long time to love who I am. It took me over twenty years to learn to love my red hair. For the longest time I wanted to be a blonde. I always thought blonde hair was so pretty and that it would help me blend in. I hated standing out anywhere I went because of my hair. Now, I don't want to change my hair color. The sun may change it, but that's natural. I am all about the natural hi-lites. A girl once told me that she wanted to dye my hair because she thought it didn't match my eyebrows. Whatever. If you don't like what you see, turn around. Stop trying to change everyone because you think that person would look better. I have a feeling that person is not truly happy with herself and doesn't know how to accept who she really is so she tries to change everyone else around her. Once you grasp who you really are and learn to love how you have been made and understand your genetics, you will be truly happy. Those who are always having to put on a show and are afraid of what they really look like are the ones who are most unhappy. I would love to see more young women show off their natural beauty. It would really be very refreshing. Rebel against what the world wants, Rebel! I have come to accept that I will never be a model. I will never grace the cover of a magazine. I will never wear the fashions from Italy, France or even New York. I will be beautiful in my own way. I will be happy with what I see in the mirror. I will be grateful for the other talents the Lord has given me. I will be the best I can be. I will be loved for who I am, not what the world wants me to be. I will be Katie G.

Saturdays are Great!

Today was alot of fun. Compared to last Saturday today was a breeze. Last week I took my Principal Certification exam. I hope I passed so I don't have to take it again. The stress is a killer and all I wanted to do was sleep afterwards. Moving on. Last night I was asked to tryout for the new women's semi-pro soccer team. If I can get into good enough shape and build up my reflexes and ups again I am going to do it. The tryouts are three months away so we will see what happens. Today I went running at the gym. I started with a mile and half and felt so amazing! I then did some sprint work for about twenty minutes and didn't die, so I feel as though things are getting better. Then I went home and took a nap. I wish everyday had a nap time. Things would seem so much less stressful if there was a mandatory nap time. Then I went to Cow Catchers Steakhouse for dinner.
Cow Catchers is so cool. They have three longhorns and two calves that are so adorable. I went with Melinda, Shelly and Kim. We all fed the moo-moos (as I called them when I was younger) and talked to "cookie" the biscuit maker. "Cookie" has a wagon set-up at the entrance with a little fire and a spot for dutch-oven cooking where the delicious biscuits are made. "Cookie"'s actual job is working in the Air Force. She just does this gig for fun. It's such a Texas thing when you can play with the cows and longhorns then go eat a nice juicy steak. I was a little surprised when I looked at the menu and saw so little choices. Why was I surprised? I don't know. I know I shouldn't have been surprised since it is a steakhouse. It is really expensive, but I think I have enough food to last me for another meal or two. The food is AMAZING! The steaks are huge and soooooo juicy. I am not a big steak, or even red-meat eater, but this stuff is so good it would make a vegetarian go back to meat. I have never had a steak, that I can remember, that was so good. There is also live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The great thing is that the music isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation with someone sitting across from you. It was a very enjoyable evening. I love the atmosphere and the food is rockin'! Next time, I'll go during the day when I can see everything. (Pictures coming soon)=0)

Thank You Veterans!

Today is Veteran's Day. Thank you to all that have serves and presently serve this great country. I have members of my family that have served in World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam. My Great Uncle Del (Luis) loves to tell me that he, "Received a MEdal of Honor for Doing absolutely nothing in the face of no danger." Well, Uncle Del, you are a true hero to me. Thank you for everything you have done to protect my freedoms. Thank you to those who are serving now. Thank you to the families who give up so much and take on more than what they should have to in order to keep me safe at night. Thank you!

Great Grandpa sitting in a jeep during WWII

Great Grandpa: Boy he was good looking, Great Grandma had amazing taste

Left to Right Front: Great Aunt Edna Coll(Nina), Great Grandme Aurea Riviello, Grandma Judith Acosta Gilmore Middle: Great Uncle Del (Luis) Coll Back Grandpa Edward Arthur Gilmore

My Military family and their supportive wives

New President and Life

The election is over and the 44th President of the United States is Barack Obama. History has been made. The first black (excuse me while I laugh a little) president ever in the USA, yippy. I am waiting to see what happens. I just hope those people who are always blaming someone else for their unhappiness will see that a blackman has made it to the White House and will maybe do something for themselves instead of waiting for someone else to do it for them. Enough of the depressing stuff.
Life is good. I feel good this week. The week has gone slow, but that's okay. I have loved every minute of it. The kiddos at work have not been as crazy and that has helped out so much. The traffic has been horrible, but nothing too strenuous. I had a wonderful dinner at a friend's place on Tuesday and it was delicious! Tonight I scored a goal at my soccer game then played a higher level of soccer and loved it! I miss high level soccer. I play better and smarter when I play with against competition that is at a higher level. The players I was playing with didn't hold the ball too long and they played off of everyone's strengths. It was so much fun, I loved it! I am so blessed to have a week like this one. They don't come along often so when they do I truly cherish them. Have I ever mentioned how much I love this life? Earthly life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, good and bad and it's all worth it. What more can I say? Life is good.

My Influences

November must be really special month. Not only is it Thanksgiving, but two of my biggest influences were born in November. The first is my great-grandma Aurea Riviello. This woman is absolutely amazing. She will be 101 on the twenty seventh of the month. She has raised three beautiful children, one of them being my very spunky, sassy grandma Judith Acosta Gilmore. Aurea was born in Puerto Rico on November 27, 1907. She has three children, Edna Coll, Judith Gilmore, and Al Acosta. GG Ma is an inspiring woman. She use to smoke all the time. One day a woman came to her home and gave her a filter to place on the end of her ciggy to see how much gunk was in one cig. She smoked one and afterwards looked at the filter. When she looked at the filter then tried to clean it she realized that all the gunk was going in her lungs and body and stopped smoking cold turkey. How many people do you know who would do that? She also was married to a man who served during WW II. I don't know what I would have done if my husband were in another country fighting. Communication back in those days was slow so it was a long time before you heard from your loved ones. She was able to make it through those times and still raise her children. That husband eventually passed away and she married another man. I don; know anything about him so no stories. Once that husband was out of the picture she lived with her oldest daughter, Edna, and her husband Luis Coll in Spain for many years. GG Ma was also a make-up counter manager and use to have to yell at her girls to get back to work all the time. One time while visiting her she thought I was one of her make-up counter girls and started yelling at me in Spanish to get back to work and stop being so lazy. Now Aurea lives in Tamp, FL in a retirement facility where she can receive round the clock care. She has just recently transitioned into the late stages of Alzheimer's Disease. I have had the opportunity to spend some time with her the past few years. I which I had been able to spend time with her when she could actually tell me stories about her life, but any time with her is wonderful. Every time I visit, Edna tells her that she has to speak in English to me because I don't understand Spanish. She looks at me, smiles her mischievous smile and speaks Spanish the entire time I am there. She is the biggest prankster I know too. She and another woman in the home would go behind the counter where some of the nurses kept their purses when no one was looking and take someones purse. She would then hide it behind a plant close by or under a table. Since people knew she liked to pull pranks they would ask her where she hid the purse. Since she is Alzheimered she would actually shrug her shoulders and say, "I don't know what you are talking about. I didn't take anything." before long another resident would find the purse and return it. She also gave me some great advice and showed her love for her family. I told her that when I have kids and if I have a daughter I want to name her Aurea. She then told me I could not name her Aurea unless I had my mother's name as part of the name. So we made a contract that I would name my daughter either Debra Aurea or Aurea Debra. I didn't think she remembered my mom's name, but she did and it gave me a whole new respect for her seeing that she had just met my mom. She also told me to remember who I am. The last day I was with her I was sitting with her by myself in the courtyard of the home and she began speaking to me in English for the first time in two visits and she told me to remember who I am and to continue to work to achieve my goals. She is a wise woman, and I love he dearly. I just pray that she will last one more Christmas with her family and that she knows how much we love her.

The second person is my dad, Scott Steven Gilmore. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on November 28, 1953. He is great example of everything I want to be. Great grandma calls him bologna, which he is full of, so she is correct when she calls him that. Even though she calls him bologna he is still a great person. Dad was raised in an Air Force family. My grandfather moved his family all over the world and I believe that is what has helped form my dad. My dad has so much love for those around him. he is comfortable with everyone and seems to make friends with all he meets. He is one of the biggest influences in many of his athletes lives. When I was in high school, his jv team would call him "Dad". Many of his athletes had dads in the Army and they were not around all the much so they found fatherly advice and a father figure in my dad. Today, he has many athletes that come back to him and thank him for the person they could go to when they could not go to their parents about something but still need advice. Like great-grandma he is a huge prankster. It would take way to long to go through his list of pranks. My dad is one of the most courageous people I know. He is a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the only member in his family. There was a lot of friction in the family when my dad joined the church, but that did not stop him. I am so grateful and happy that he was able to stay strong in the church. He lives his life in service. He has taught me a great deal about service by just doing the small and simple things he needs to do. He has always given me the support and encouragement I have needed and has knocked me back into place when I needed him to. He taught me how to be independent. That's why I am so independent today. He has shown me many things that I would have never learned anywhere else. He is truly an influence in my life. People even tell me I am just like my dad. The mannerisms, the drive and passion for things, and even the looks. The worst thing a girl can hear is that she looks like her dad. If you know my dad then you can know me a little better. Dad and I have a great bond that has only become stronger as I have found a new respect for him after visiting with old family friends. People love and deeply respect my dad. I just hope one day that I will be able to one day be more like my dad. I love my great-grandma Aurea and my dad. They will forever influence me.

November Begins

Only three more weeks until Thanksgiving break, yay! I love the holiday season. It gives me so much hope and I feel so much love. Today I was able to be a part of something that really has started my holiday season with a bang. I was able to run in the Inaugural Raul Jimenez Feast of the Heart 5K Run/Walk. All the proceeds go to help feed somewhere in the ballpark of 25,000 people in San Antonio on Thanksgiving Day. I felt great running it. I met up with some great friends who informed me of the run and had a wonderful time. I was talking to a few of my students and they asked me if I was going to go to a festival in Houston that a bunch of other teachers and students were going to this weekend. I told them I was going to run in this thing. As I was talking to them I was telling them that I was going to pay to run in it. "You are paying to run? You mean you don't get anything out of it? You're crazy! I would never do that." It is all about where the proceeds go. When I explained further that the money went to help give people a great Thanksgiving that they would not have otherwise, they were more understanding. It is great to be an example to those around me. Uh-oh, I just remembered it was G's bridal shower today. I feel so bad I missed it, especially since I RSVP'd that I would be there. Monday will be full of apologies and buying alot of food at the bake sale to make up for it.
I have also learned how to make homemade apple pie. So I made one today for "break the fast" tomorrow. I just hope it tastes okay. Wow, there is a little white cat in my apartment. It must have come in through my window and I am just now noticing. Sorry, ADD moment. The pie looks delicious but I won't know if it tastes delicious until tomorrow evening. The anticipation is building, just kidding. No anticipation necessary.
Whew, I am starting to feel really tired. I think I need a nap.